Health care costs have been climbing at double-digit rates in recent years, up 11 percent last year and 14 percent in 2003.

As a result, more companies have been passing along health care costs to employees or dropping coverage altogether.

HEALTH INSURANCE Table: State-By-State Statistics Discuss: Universal Coverage Feasible? Discuss: Improve The System? Survey: Been Without Insurance? Survey: Insured By Employer? RESOURCES FastStats: Insurance Coverage Covering Kids And Families InsureKidsNow.gov Checkup On Insurance Choices What Does It Cover? Insurance Plans & Prescriptions Who Are The Uninsured? State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs

A recent study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, predicted that 56 million people in the United States, more than one in four workers, will be uninsured by 2013.

One Hummelstown, Pa., family is dealing with their health insurance challenge in an unusual way, reported WGAL-TV in Lancaster, Pa.

Melissa and Jay Kindall own a Subway shop. When it comes to the cost of health insurance, they think about selling out.

"I actually thought about doing that -- going to work for someone else just for the health care benefits," Jay Kindall said.

When their monthly premiums soared to $800, the Kindalls dropped their health insurance coverage for two months.

"We've got to think outside the box. There's got to be something we can do," Melissa Kindall said.

With three children, they felt they had to do something. Instead of closing up shop, they explored their options.

Melissa Kindall did an Internet search on health insurance and found a Web site called eHealthInsurance. She started to shop and compare.

"They would be surprised at how inexpensive health insurance can be if they shop. And that's what we do, represent 150 health insurance carriers throughout the country," said Sam Gibbs, with eHealthInsurance.

By doing some shopping and comparison online, the Kindalls were able to go from $800 to $300 a month for health insurance.

That price is a pretty good deal these days, but it does comes with some risks -- namely, a $5,000 deductible.

"Well, you want to look at the deductible 'cause you figure if you need the deductible over $5,000, you've got some serious health problems," Jay Kindall said.

You also want to look at your particular needs. The Kindalls said they are finished having children, so they dropped their maternity coverage.

"And you look at your lifestyle and what's important to you and you can really find a health insurance plan that meets your needs," Gibbs said. "Most of the time, it's a lot less expensive."

Tips For Buying Health Insurance Online